The construction in downtown Ames is finished, and Main Street retailers are celebrating.

Dedication events will kick off today at 4:30 p.m. in City Hall, 515 Clark Ave., with a reception, followed by a short walk to the corner of Kellogg Avenue and Main Street for a ribbon-cutting ceremony, said Allyson Dalter Doud, promotions committee chairwoman for the Ames Main Street District.

After the cutting is done, downtown retailers are inviting the community to participate in their annual open house, “Holiday Treasures Around Every Corner.”

“This is the best time to do it,” Doud said. “We are hoping people remember the construction is done and people can park and walk on Main Street now. With the big season coming up, it means they can shop here again.”

Santa and Mrs. Claus will arrive in a fire truck at 6 p.m. They will be in the lobby of Sheldon-Munn, 301 Main St., until 8 p.m. People are encouraged to bring their cameras and wish lists, Doud said.

“This should be a really fun evening,” said Clare Bills, public relations officer for the city of Ames.

Many stores also will have “live” storefront window displays, with people modeling, and in-store activities. Strolling carolers from the choir at First Assembly of God, 409 13th St., will be performing along Main Street.

A warming station, with cookies and hot cocoa, will be located at ASI Office Experts, 238 Main St.

On Saturday, many businesses will be having holiday specials and serving refreshments.

Santa and Mrs. Claus will return to Main Street at Sheldon-Munn on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

People can enjoy a horse-and-wagon hitch ride for free from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday. The ride begins at Firstar Bank, 405 Main St.

Besides the $3.3 million used for renovations, another $50,000 was dedicated to a historic art project, Bills said.

“In addition to all the new infrastructure, we also have 8-feet-high lampposts on eight different corners that are also kind of sculptures,” she said. “All along Fifth Street, at many of the corners, there are 15 different brick piers, and on each one is a historic tile that depicts a person or event in the history of Ames.”